Chapter 7
(Phoebe's POV)
Nathan and I are back at work this week. Both of our stress levels have been at an all time high. This weekend we have wedding and bridesmaid's dress shopping then the court date. I am so nervous for the court date. Mr. Moore got one of the best lawyers in the country. Not that Teddy isn't an amazing lawyer. I have full confidence in him.
Nathan and I have really been leaning on each other these past couple of days. I am in my office right now and am charting and preparing for my next patient. A 1 year old boy has been suspected to be abused. Social work and the police have already been notified. They want me in the room to watch his behavior.
Nathan is the doctor on the case. I feel so sad for this little guy. His name is Henry and he is 14 months old. I grab my sweater and put it on heading down to the exam room. The parents are being interviewed by the police while we have Henry.
I go into the exam room and see him in his hospital crib. I smile and go in setting my stuff down. He is sitting playing with a little toy they gave him. I lift down the bars and get him out of the crib. I sit down on the rocking chair and notice the bruises on his ribs. I frown and rock him. He looks up at me and smiles resting his head on my chest and gripping my hair.
This is unusual behavior for a 14 month old to show to a stranger. Usually they are very hesitant to strangers. He could just be a funny little guy. Nathan walks in and smiles at me.
"Hi Bee," he says and I smile. He can call me that since it is just us and this little guy here. "Okay would you mind setting him down on the bed?" Nathan asks and I nod. I put him on the exam bed. He smiles at the sound the paper makes. Nathan takes off the hospital gown and leaves him in just a diaper. I make a note of the bruises on his body.
"Hi little man," Nathan says as Henry reaches for him to pick him up. Usually kiddos who have been abused are very clingy to strangers.
Nathan starts by putting his stethoscope on different places on his chest. He checks his reflexes and his weight. He says his breathing sounds normal.
Nathan plays with him for a little bit while I observe. "Why did he come in here?" I ask Nathan.
"He had some trouble ended up giving him oxygen when his parents brought him in. They looked rough," Nathan says and I nod.
"Okay, Henry. You were so good," Nathan says and picks him up. My insides melt as he puts him back on the crib. Nathan is so good with kids.
We walk out and tell the police we both suspect abuse. They take our notes and observations and thank us. This was the last patient for both of us. I already have all my stuff so I go with Nathan to his office to grab some stuff.
"That poor little guy," I say and he nods.
"That is the hardest part of my job," Nathan says and I agree.
"You just want to take him home," I say and Nathan smiles at me.
"Oh Bee," Nathan says and I smile. He wraps his arms around me and we stand there hugging for a bit.
We leave the hospital and head home. Tonight my parents, and Ted and Olivia are coming over. I am making shrimp scampi for everyone.
When we get home Nathan showers first and I start dinner. I turn on some light music and get myself a glass of wine. I start defrosting the shrimp and getting out the pasta.
Nathan walks out after in black pants and a grey long sleeve. He looks good. Really good. He comes up behind me and kisses my head.
"You can go shower, I'll take over," he says.
"Are you saying I smell bad?" I ask and smirk at him. He shakes his head.
"Trust me you smell good enough to eat," he says and I laugh. I kiss him and head back to shower.
I get into the shower and make it a quick one. I know Nathan will be impressed. I dry my hair and put it up into a high ponytail putting on light makeup. I throw on a grey sweater and leggings and walk out. Nathan smiles as he sees me and comes over kissing my head.
"Mmm I love these," he says about my leggings. His hands graze over my butt and I smirk. I go back over and start helping Nathan make the salad.
There is a knock on the door and Nathan answers. It is my parents arriving early of course. Nathan hugs both of my parents before escorting them inside. "Hey guys," I smile and walk over hugging them.
"Hi Honey, you look great," my mom says and I smile thanking her. "The place looks amazing also. I love the white cabinets. Makes the place feel so much lighter," she says.
"Thank you. I wasn't too sure about doing white, but I am so glad we did," I say.
"Hi bubs, how are you sweetheart?" my dad asks passing me a beautiful bouquet of flowers. I smile thanking him.
"I am good, we got off work a couple of hours ago then headed back here for dinner," I say and he smiles.
"Can I get you guys a drink?" Nathan asks.
"I'll have a glass of Cristal Brut please," my mom says.
"Mr. Grey?" Nathan asks.
"It's Christian, Nathan please. I'll have the same," my dad says and I smile. I sit between my parents picking at the appetizers we have out.
"How were your days," I ask them.
"Long, lots of meetings," my dad says and I nod.
"Mine was pretty good. I got a head start on a new manuscript," my mom says and I smile. There is a knock on the door and I head over to answer it. It is Ted and Olivia.
"Hey guys," I smile. I hug Teddy and then Olivia.
"Come on in," I say and escort them to the kitchen.
"This place is stunning, Phoebe," Olivia says.
"Oh thank you," I smile. Ted and Olivia hug my parents and sit down at the counter. I get them both glasses of wine.
"Are you excited for wedding dress shopping?" My mom asks me.
"Of course I am, my bridesmaids are getting their dresses too," I say and look at Liv. I have six bridesmaids. Ava, who is my maid of honor, Berkeley, Kendra, Liv, Isabelle, and Maisy. I am so excited for my bachelorette party.
"So your wedding is in what a little over a month?" Liv says and I nod looking at Nathan who is smiling at me.
"Where is the honeymoon?" Teddy asks.
'Fiji," I say and everyone oos and ahs.
"We have never been to Fiji," my dad says and I smile.
"We can report how it is back to you," I say. They smile and look at each other.
"Phoebe girl, do you need any help in the kitchen?" my mom asks.
"I am okay, but if you guys want to go sit down I think we are ready to eat," I say and they nod heading to sit down. I get all the plates and bring them over. I refill everyone's glass of wine and we get eating.
"Remember we have the ball next Friday," my dad says. I form a tight smile on my face, I hate going to the balls. When I was a teenager, it was fun to dress up. Now I just want to stay in my soft pants at night and have sex with Nathan.
"Come on, Phoebe. It is one night," my dad says.
"What? I didn't say anything," I say.
"Your face says it all. I know you hate going to these events, but it is a great fundraiser," my dad says.
"It is fine, if it gets too bad I will just fake sick," I say and everyone laughs.
"Wouldn't be your first time getting sick at a fundraiser," he says and I try to think back to the last time I was sick.
"You were 5, you had the flu," my dad says. My mom looks over laughing remembering the story.
"That was a mess," she says and I ask them to tell the story.
(Flashback, Phoebe 5, Phoebe POV)
I am in the playroom at a big party for my Mommy's work. My belly is really hurting. I am in the kids play place. I am not allowed to leave unless mommy or daddy comes.
"What's wrong, Bubs?" Teddy comes over and asks.
"I really don't feel good, Teddy Bear," I tell him.
"Phoebe, you just miss dad. Remember what Mom said he is busy," Teddy says and I nod holding my belly. My belly really hurts.
"Phoebe, come play," Ava says and pulls on my hand. We go over to the big blocks that you can build with. I really don't feel good.
"I'm going to go ask for my dad," I say.
When I walk over the the stand where the adults are I see that it is not Ms. Jenna the lady who is nice to me. I don't know who this lady is.
"Can I go see my daddy or mommy?" I ask the lady with brown hair. She has blue eyes like my mommy.
"What's your name?" She asks me.
"Phoebe," I say. She looks on her chart and nods.
"Phoebe, your dad and mom are busy," she says.
"But I don't feel good, my belly really hurts," I say and she puts the chart down.
"Phoebe, go play. Dinner will be ready soon," she says. I walk back to the table and sit down. I start to cry as I draw a picture. I feel really sick.
Teddy Bear comes over to me and sees that I am crying. He gives me a big hug. "Phoebe, it is okay. Mommy and Daddy are just inside at the party," he says.
"I know, Teddy, but I don't feel good," I say and he looks at me.
"Did you tell Ms. Blake?" He asks me.
"She said to go play," I say and he looks at her then at me.
"Don't cry, Phoebe," he says and hugs me. My belly really starts to hurt and I run over to Ms. Blake.
"Please let me see my daddy, my belly it really hurts," I say and cry. She looks at me and breathes a big breath. She doesn't look happy.
"Okay, Phoebe. Stand right here I will call him," she says. I nod and sit down on the grass. I watch as she calls my daddy.
"He is on his way, Phoebe," she says and start to cry. I don't want him to be mad at me.
(Christian's POV)
"Mr. Jones, it is a pleasure," I say and shake his hand. He is the head of accounting at Grey Publishing.
"Ah Mr. Grey, how are you?" He asks as we shake hands.
All of a sudden, my phone starts to ring. I see it is the children's section of the party and apologize excusing myself. The woman tells me Phoebe is sick. I tell Mr. Jones I have to go and start heading over. I am wondering if Phoebe is actually sick or having separation anxiety.
When I get there I have to show an ID to get Phoebe even though I rented the damn company. It is good they are being safe though. When I walk in to the tent, I see Phoebe crying. I sigh and go over to her bending down to her level.
"Phoebe, sweetheart what is going on?" I ask her. She just throws herself at me not answering. I see some of the other kids coming over to see what's going on. I pick Phoebe up and carry her out of the tent. I take her over by the bathrooms and set her down in front of me.
"Sweetheart, take a deep breath," I say and she keeps crying.
"I don't… I don't feel good," she says and I brush her hair out of her face.
"Phoebe, do you not feel good or was your belly hurting because you miss mommy and daddy?" I ask her and she keeps crying wiping her eyes.
"I don't feel good," she sobs. I feel her forehead and she does feel pretty warm. We are at an event center that is 20 minutes from our house.
"Phoebe, what hurts. Use your words," I say and she is now in hysterics. She doesn't look like herself and I can tell this is not because she was having separation anxiety. I pick her up and text Sawyer to pull around the car. I tell Ana on the way out, she kisses Phoebe and lets us go.
Sawyer gives Phoebe a big hug as we get into the car. She gives him a small smile. I love their bond.
I put Phoebe in the car who is still in hysterics. I sit in the back with her. I hold her hand and rub her head trying to calm her down. She keeps telling me she doesn't feel good.
"I know, Bubs. Let's get you home and into your jammies and daddy will lay with you in your bed," I tell her.
When we pull into the driveway, Phoebe says, "I am going to throw up." Sawyer quickly pulls over the car half way up the driveway.
I jump out with Phoebe as she gets out of the car. I hold her hair back as she throws up. I rub her back as she keeps throwing up. I feel so bad for doubting her and thinking it was separation anxiety.
"Are you all done?" I ask her and she nods. I pick her up and she is still crying. I walk up the rest of the driveway with her hoping the fresh air will make her feel a little better.
When we get into the house I see she has thrown up on her clothes. She is clinging to my chest. I thank Sawyer and head up to the master.
"Bubs, I'm going to put you in the tub okay?" I ask her.
"I don't want to," she says and is crying and clinging to me. I don't want to have to force her but she has thrown up all over her. I decide I need to get her calm first. Right now she is so worked up.
I strip her out of her sweet little pink dress and hold her to me. I go and sit in the glider chair we have in the guest room. I rub her back and shh her trying to get her calm.
"You're okay, Daddy's got you," I say softly rubbing her back.
"My belly…. my belly," she keeps saying and crying. I know her stomach is probably still upset from throwing up. I turn her so I can rub her stomach.
When her crying slows I pull back and look at her. "Bubs, after we shower you and I can go lay down in your bed okay?" I ask her. She nods and looks at me.
We head to the master bathroom. I start the shower. Phoebe is on my hip in just her underwear. She has her head rested on my chest.
"Daddy will you get in with me?" She asks me. I know she is sick and I also know I am covered in her throw up. I strip us both down and get into the shower.
I wash Phoebe's hair and body with one arm while holding her. This should be a superpower. "Can I wash your hair?" Phoebe asks. I smile and let her wash my hair.
Even though she gets shampoo in my eyes and in my ears, I know she feels important doing this job. I let her have some fun and wash my hair.
After our shower, I get her wrapped in a towel and I wrap one around my waist. I pick her up and take her into my room. I put on pajama pants and a T-shirt. I put her into one of my T-shirts too.
"It looks like a dress," she says and giggles twirling in my white T-shirt.
"You are right it does, funny girl. Let's go lay down Bubs," I say. She nods and I put her into her bed. She snuggles under the covers as I get in. She comes and lays her head in the crook of my arm.
"Do you feel better?" I ask her.
"I think so," she says. "My belly really hurted," she says and I nod.
"I know it did, you were so brave and so good tonight," I tell her and she looks up at me.
"Daddy, do you have to go to work tomorrow?" She asks me.
"Tomorrow is Sunday, Bubs. I don't have work," I tell her for the 5th time today. She gets really anxious about me leaving for work trips even though every time I do I tell her the week before to get her ready for when I leave.
"Oh," she says and looks down.
"Do you know how much I love you, Bubs?" I ask her.
"This much," she says and spreads her arms open.
"No this much," I say and open my arms even further. She giggles and wraps her arms around me.
"I love you, daddy," she says and I smile kissing her head. This girl flipped my world upside down. I adore her and everything she is.
"I love you too, Bubs," I say and hold her to me. She starts to drift off to sleep.
(End flashback)
Everyone is smiling and laughing at the story. My dad really was the best with me. He must have had the patience of a saint to deal with me.
For the rest of dinner we talk about weddings, and the upcoming future. We bid everyone goodbye. I'll see my mom and Olivia for dress shopping.
After everyone leaves it is just Nathan and I. We are sitting on the couch watching the nightly news. I have my feet rested on his lap and he is gently massaging them. I am in my pajamas and Nathan is too.
"That was a good dinner," Nathan says and I smile nodding.
"Yes it was," I say.
"Are you tired at all?" He asks me. I shake my head no and he crawls over so he is on top of me. I see what he is getting at.
"Do you want to do this?" He asks. I blush and look at him. God he is so fucking hot. I nod and he smiles. He sits me up and slides my shirt off so I am just in my pj shorts.
He kisses my lips then my neck and starts to slowly work his way down. He kisses my breasts. I hold onto the back of his head moaning. I never knew sex could get better than it was.
His head worked its way down my belly as he spread my legs apart. He began licking between my legs in a way I don't ever recall feeling before. Controlled, rhythmic, his tongue danced and darted for minutes as his hands embraced my hips and inner thighs.
I tried to relax and go with this, looking down and watching his head and hands on me. It wasn't long before I felt a surge of pleasure and came hard, squeezing his head between my legs! I pushed him away, but he put his head back down and plunged his tongue into me as my orgasm crested and continued.
Without a word, I guided my head toward his penis as he sat in front of me. I Put him in my mouth and sucked him off. He moaned and gently placed his hand on the back of my head.
His moans are so sexy to me. I used my tongue and my hands and pleasured him. He starts saying he is close which just makes me go faster. Before we both know it his hot liquid is shooting down my throat.
"Fuck baby," he says. I smile and come and straddle him. My front is to his front as he sits on the couch. I am on my knees hovering over him. He looks down and helps me sink into him.
"Oh fuck babe," he says and I close my eyes leaning my head back.
I use my knees to bounce up and down on him. I have my arms wrapped around his neck. He reaches down and starts rubbing my clit.
"I'm not going to last if you do that," I say and he smiles going faster.
"I don't care, I want to feel you cum on me," he says and I close my eyes. My breathing gets heavier and all of a sudden I orgasm. He moans as I know my walls are tightening on him.
"Fuck," he comes closely after me.
After a minute nathan comes and cleans us both up. I put my pjs back on and so does he. He takes my hand and guides me to our bed. I lay down and cuddle him.
"Goodnight, Bee," he says.
"Goodnight love," I say and he kisses my head.
Today I am going dress shopping. We are getting all of the dresses in one trip which I know is going to be so stressful, but we don't have much time before the wedding. All of my bridesmaids, Mrs. Moore, and my mom and Aunt Kate are coming. Oh and Grandma Grace and Gail.
I am so lucky to have so many special women in my life who have watched me grow up. I head out at around noon. Nathan is already gone. He is going with Andrew to a basketball game.
We all arrive pretty much at the same time. This is a high end bridal shop called Wore Bridal. It is where Ava got her dress and my mom did too. I hug everyone as they come in until finally everyone gets here. Maisy is the last to arrive of course.
"Hi mama to be, you are glowing," I say as I put my hands on her bump. She is 20 weeks pregnant and is finally showing. She is going to be around 25 weeks when the wedding actually happens.
"How is baby J?" I ask her. They don't know the gender yet, their gender reveal party is next week. I am in charge of the party. Baby J stands for baby Jenkins which is her married last name.
"Your Godchild is kicking and moving up a storm. I think it is a boy, but Blake is convinced it is a girl," she says and I smile. I think it is a boy too. I get the envelope today. I am the one hosting the party so I get to know first.
"Hi everyone thank you all for coming. My name is Marleen, I will be helping you along with Rachel and Sarah, we are going to start with the bridesmaids dresses. Phoebe we have pulled a couple if you want to come back and look," they say. I wanted champagne colored dresses for our wedding. I think it is a good color on everyone and is super easy and diverse. She has four dress ideas pulled.
One is a full length champagne dress that is sparkly. It swoops open in the back and is a short sleeve cut. Another is an almost wrap dress that is long and very stunning. There is a long dress that has a v cut and has a slit in the leg for movement. The next is another v cut style and has thin straps. It is tight around the waist and flows out.
I veto the one with the slit because it is just a little too much for my liking. I decide to have the girls try on the rest of them. They all go into their fitting rooms and I sit with my mom, Gail, Aunt Kate, and my grandma.
"How have you been, Phoebes?" Gail asks patting my hand.
"I am great, Gail. I love my job, and my fiance there really isn't much more to ask for," I say and she smiles.
Isabelle walks out in the sparkly champagne dress. She looks absolutely stunning. She shows us the back and I love it. The rest of the girls walk out. Berk looks absolutely stunning. So do all of the girls. I notice one is missing. Maisy.
"Grey little issue," she says as she walks out with the dress unzipped. "I love it, and I am sure baby J would love it too. We just are having trouble fitting," she says and I laugh going over to her. I look at the size she has and roll my eyes.
"Maisy, you are 5 months pregnant, you can't fit into your old dress size. Can we get her a size 4?" I ask the women helping us. They nod and get to it. I laugh as she moves to the side looking at her bump.
"Maisy, you are smaller than I ever was," my mom says. Aunt Kate agrees.
"Yeah babies measuring a bit small, but they aren't worried," she says and I smile rubbing her belly. I help Maisy slide on the 4 and it fits perfectly. She walks out and they all get in line. I look at them and imagine standing next to them in it.
"You look stunning," I say and my mom and Aunt Kate agree. Gail and My grandma don't say anything.
"What do you guys think?" I ask looking down at them.
"Well, they are sparkly," my grandma says and I laugh.
"They are kind of a lot, well can we try on the next dress?" I ask and the girls nod. Maisy asks for my help so I go in with her. She stands in her underwear as I helped her into the next dress which is the wrap dress. It looks so cute with her bump.
The girls walk out and I look at them. I really like this dress. They all look absolutely stunning in it. The women next to me all agree.
"This is stunning," Kendra says and I nod.
"Okay, next," I say and help Maisy slide on the final dress. t. The next one is the v cut style and has thin straps. It is tight around the upper waist and flows out. It is stunning. Right as I zip it on Maisy I fall in love.
When all the girls stand next to each other tears prick my eyes. I start to cry and my mom comes and rubs my back handing me a tissue. "You guys all look beautiful," I say. My none bridesmaids agree with me.
"Phoebe is this the one?" Sarah asks me.
"Yes it is," I say and the girls all start hugging each other. I smile and get a picture with them all in their dresses. I also get one kissing Maisy's bump for the baby book I am making her.
"Okay bride to be, your turn," I smile as Marleen comes and gets me. The rest of the girls all are having little snacks and champagne, well except Maisy. She gets a water. My mom and I go back. She has a couple of dresses pulled based on the likes and dislikes I had. Already one spots my eye.
"That one," I say and point to the white lace off the shoulder dress. It has lace long sleeves and is tight to the mid thigh then flows out. It is absolutely stunning.
"This is a 2019 Vera Wang dress," Marleen smiles.
"Can I try it?" I ask.
"Of course," she says and I smile. I go into the dressing room with her and strip down. She helps me slide the dress on and helps zip it up. I smile as it fits perfectly. I start to tear up again. This is the one. I know it is.
When I walk out all the girls mouths drop open. "Phoebe, you look stunning," Maisy says and starts to cry.
"I love it," Berkeley chimes in. Olivia and Isabelle say the same.
My mom is in hysterics as she looks at me. "This dress looks so much like mine," she says as she hugs me. My grandma and Gail have tears in their eyes too. The dress does look very similar to my mom's dress. Mrs. Moore comes up and hugs me telling me she loves it.
Marleen puts a veil on me and that is when I know this is the one. I say yes to the dress. Everyone starts cheering and gets multiple pictures with me. I am in love. I don't even want to try any other dress on. I smile as this has been easily one of the best days.
We all end up at a restaurant for lunch afterwards. Maisy hands me the envelope and I put it in my purse. I know how hard this must be for her.
"This will be the best gender reveal party ever," I say and she smiles thanking me.
I love this group of mine.